Jacob Pfeiffer: About the Artist

JACOB PFEIFFER

Signature Artist, Oil Painters of America

B. Romania 1936

After fleeing Communist Romania, Pfeiffer and his parents lived as "displaced persons" in Austria in former American Army barracks. He was introduced to America's history in his early teenage years while in school. This subject consumed him, and he began to read and study about the country and the people who lived through this uncertain yet exciting time. In art classes, Pfeiffer learned to paint with water colors, and his favorite subjects were American Indians and Mountain Men.



			Changing Times 24x36 Oil on Canvas Private Collection
	Clash of Cultures 16x20 Oil on Canvas (Model: Juliet, one of our early horses)

Coming to America at age 19, Pfeiffer continued his study of the settling of America (still his favorite reading material) as well as his study of art through books, visits to Art Museums, and drawing classes at Cincinnati Art Academy. Through reenactments, Pow Wows, and other authentic Native American and historical events, Pfeiffer obtained a wealth of photos and sketches useful for his chosen subjects. For many years, he and his family lived on an 1890's farm, grew much of their own food, and were surrounded by wildlife and domestic animals. Many of these, especially the horses, were often the subjects of his paintings.


	Peace in the Valley 30x40 Oil on Linen (Models: Saxon (front) with Ridiere, Starlet and colt, Xandor)			Rooster Cogburn IV 16x20 Oil on Canvas (Jacob's pet) Private Collection
	Shawnee Trail Farm, Aurora, IN			Farm Toy - 25 years of life in the slow lane!

In depicting life during the 17th and 18th centuries, Pfeiffer’s goal is to share a moment of history with the viewer. He focuses on the character qualities of his subjects, those traits universal to all people who cherish freedom and independence. In his journey as an artist, Pfeiffer later also studied with admired contemporary artists Dan Gerhartz and Joe Abbrecia, and expanded his "style" through the influence of friends C.W. Mundy and portrait master John Michael Carter. He has also included contemporary subjects in his repertoire, which allows him to paint from life both in the studio and outdoors.


Butterfly Dance 18x14 Oil on Linen	*Dancer at Taos Hacienda* 18x14 Oil on Linen	Fiddle Fire 20x10 Oil on Canvas

"After almost 40 years as a full time artist, I am at a stage now where my painting is just pure fun. After years of trial and error, experimentation and practice, I no longer have to be concerned about craftsmanship, nor focus on just telling a story. With each piece, I hope to exhort the viewer to think about what was good and right about America, and remember the strength of character necessary to survive in the early days of her history. I try to do this in a painterly fashion, in the style of the Old Masters."


			Uncertain Future 16x12 Oil on Canvas
	Resourceful Provider 30x24 Oil on Linen		Uncertain Future 16x12 Oil on Canvas

Pfeiffer's work has been included in diverse juried shows such as the Hoosier Salon, Oil Painters of America, Salon International, and Alexandria Museum of Art (LA) among others. He has been invited again to the Eiteljorg Museum (IN) Quest for the West Exhibit in 2008. His work is in private and corporate collections across the U.S., in Germany and Japan, and is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Western Art, Kerrville, TX. In l999, Pfeiffer was awarded Signature Membership in Oil Painters of America.


	The Special Cup 20x24 Oil on Linen Best Work, Any Medium Hoosier Salon Exhibit Indiana State Museum Private Collection		*Iris with Blue Vase* 24x12 Oil on Canvas Juror's Award, Oil Painters of America Midwest Regional Exhibit Private Collection

Artist Statement:

"I am grateful to God for the gift of art, and the opportunity to pursue it as my life's work. Painting has allowed me to share in a small way in His act of creation. Above all, I want my work to honor Him."

Jacob Pfeiffer